CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Expanded outdoor dining, that helped many Chicago restaurants stay alive during the pandemic, could become a regular part of the menu under a new proposal from the Lightfoot administration.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, along with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection introduced an ordinance to establish a long-term version of Chicago’s Expanded Outdoor Dining program.
The program was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help restaurants continue their operations, but still abide by COVID protocols and safety measures.
“Chicago’s expanded outdoor dining program was created as a lifeline for the restaurant industry and has evolved into an integral part of neighborhood vitality, transforming our streets into welcoming public spaces,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi.
Under the proposal, an an Outdoor Dining Street Permit would allow eateries to expand operations into the street. The new permit would allow restaurants to operate in curb lanes where the adjacent sidewalk is not wide enough to accommodate a sidewalk café.
Full street closures would continue to be allowed for groups of three or more businesses.
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